HOW HARD SHOULD YOU WORK?

For years, there’s been a drum-beat on the internet and
among coaches that we should work less and make more. The
theory is that by being smarter and more efficient, we
should make more sales, and have more profit for every hour
we work.
I like the theory. I’m not sure it’s that simple.
The reality is that the those who work hardest often seem to
make the most money. Beyond that, it seems to me that the
world actually prefers LOW prices, and that Sam Walton
(founder of Walmart) did alright by lowering prices and
making a bit LESS on every sale.
Now, obviously, we all want to be efficient, and we all
think we’re just a bit smarter than the next competitor. We
are all looking for an edge to get ahead, and I think that's
a good thing and I hope it never changes. But I also think
there is an obvious edge we tend to over-look.
Customers actually LIKE businesses that go the extra mile!
They PREFER companies that answer their phone. They do
business with people who give SUPERIOR service, and who seem
to care about customer satisfaction -- actually, I like
companies that refuse to "satisfy" me and seem determined to
AMAZE me! And all of that requires hard, hard work.
Here’s an old secret of success: focus on the life-time
value of a loyal customer. Focus on the value of a customer
who sees him- or herself as your partner, rather than as
just a shopper. When your customers refuse to deal with
anyone else, your fortune is assured. How hard should you
work? About that hard.